Audiobook Review: Redeeming Hope (Home for Hope #1) by Shell Taylor

Fifteen years ago, Elijah Langley's world came to an abrupt halt with the death of his high school boyfriend. He keeps his past - and his sexual orientation - hidden until he attends a fundraiser for The Center for HOPE, an LGBT youth center, where he meets Adam Lancaster, HOPE's infuriatingly stubborn and sexy founder.

A survivor of a turbulent childhood, Adam understands better than most the challenges his youth face. He's drawn to Elijah's baby blues and devilish smile but refuses to compromise his values and climb back into the closet for anyone - not even the man showering time and money on HOPE. Months of constant flirting wear down Adam's resolve until he surrenders to his desires, but Elijah can't shake his demons.

When a youth from the center is brutally assaulted, Elijah must find a way to confront the fears and memories that are starting to ruin his life, so he can stand strong for those he loves.

Narrator: Drew Rosenberg
Listening Length: 7 hours and 4 minutes

*sigh*....

I hate doing this. Especially to a book that has such great reviews. But I just didn't like this one. The characters were unlikable and boring. But what really did it in was the narration.

Elijah and Adam met and started a friendship when Elijah pledged a substantial donation to Adam's LGBT youth shelter, HOPE. Elijah was firmly in the closet, so much so that he wouldn't even admit to his family that he financially supported such a great organization. 

Adam devoted all of his time and efforts into this shelter. Having grown up in foster homes, he knew how important a safe place to sleep at night is. 

I didn't much like Elijah. I understood his reluctance, but he still rubbed me the wrong way. Adam was a much more endearing character with his open heart and devotion to the shelter. But they just lacked that spark for me. I found it all very boring and had a hard time focusing on the story.

That could be due to the distraction narration. It was so monotone. Most of the time. When it wasn't it was melodramatic. There's a side character, Kollin, who (I think) I would have really loved. But the narrator gave him such a snotty sounding voice, all the time. I had to keep reminding myself that the kid wasn't actually being rude, it was just how his dialogue was being portrayed. 

I'm giving this a bonus half star because I really think the narrator played a big role in my dislike here. There are a lot of positive reviews for Redeeming Hope, so I'd say check those out. If this sounds like your thing, then pick up the ebook or paperback. I don't recommend the audio.

A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Find out more info on Goodreads and Dreamspinner Press.